Switchboard



Dec. 4, 1951 E. T. BALL ETAL 2,577,101

SWITCHBOARD Filed Nov. 14, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet l E. 7'. BALL INVENTORS J5. FERGUSON JEGREENE (7 AT TORNEV Deco 4, 1951 E. T. BALL ETAL SWITCHBOARD 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 14, 1947 FIG. 6.

D -9 E. 1'. BALL ETAL 2,577,101

SWITCHBOARD Filed Nov. 14, 1947 7 Sheets-Shet 4 F/GJO.

ilU

E .7: BALL INVENTORS J.G.FERGU$ON By. JEGREENE A T TORNE V Dec. 4, 1951 E. T. BALL ETAL SWITCHBOARD 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 14, 1947 FIG. /4.

FIG. /3.

O r O EJTBALL INVENTCRS J.G.FERGU$N J-E.GREENE ATTORNEY Dec 4 1951 E. T. BALL ETAL SWITCHBOARD Filed Nov. 14, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet e F3? l w s 4 1951 E. 1". BALL ETAL 2,577,101

SWITCHBOARD Filed Nov. 14, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Patented Dec. 4, 1951 SWITCHBOARD Eustace T. Ball, Fanwood, James G. Ferguson,

Rutherford, and James E. Greene, Basking Ridge, N. J.,

assignors to Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a

corporation of New York Application November 14, 1947, Serial No. 786,102

Claims.

This invention relates to a frame for supporting electrical apparatus and more particularly to a switchboard frame.

In order to meet the requirements for a relatively light, compact, convenient and dustproof frame for supporting electrical apparatus employed in telephone switching systems, a frame in accordance with the present invention has been devised in which the major elements are light sheet metal members and in which covers are utilized to completely enclose the apparatus contained within the frame. The employment of formed sheet metal columns and girders in place of the solid channels most commonly used, has resulted in increased strength, markedly reduced weight, and an appreciable reduction in space requirements. Improved appearance and greater convenience are also attained by this construction inasmuch as cabling and apparatus auxiliary to the functioning of the switches may be placed within the hollow members. The removable dustproof covers completely enclose the front and rear of the frames, and the front covers incorporate a novel hinging means which is more completely disclosed in the copending application to E. T. Ball, Serial No. 786,103, filed November 14, 1947.

An object of this invention is to provide a strong, light frame for supporting electrical apparatus.

Another object is to completely enclose a frame to provide substantially dustproof protection for apparatus mounted therein.

Another object is to protect apparatus mounted in a. frame from damage by fire.

A further object is to improve the appearance of the switching central by completely enclosing all switches and associated apparatus within frames.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the drawings accompanying this specification in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a switchboard frame constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 are rear and side views, respectively, of a frame showing the rear cover;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the frame;

Fig. 5 is a plan sectional View through 5-5 of Figs. 3 and 8;

Figs. 6 and 7 are front and side views, respectively, of the bracket support for the rear bafiles;

Fig. 8 is a side view in section of the frame shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a partial side view of a frame with the end plates in place;

Fig. 10 is a partial elevation of one corner of the frame;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged section of the joint between ad acent rear covers;

Fig. 12 is an elevational view of a section through i2-l2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a front view of one of the upright members;

Fig. 14 is a side view in partial section of one of the upright members through i4:4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a top sectional view through I5-l5 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a top sectional view through lt-Hi of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a top sectional view through ll-l'i of Fig. 14;

Figs. 18, 19 and 20- are top, rear and end views, respectively, of the cable boot asembly;

Figs. 21 and 22 are elevational and plan views, respectively, of the latches for securing the rear covers to the frame;

Fig. 23 is a sectional plan view showing the details of the hoisting tube construction;

Fig. 24 is a front view showing a means for interconnecting two frames and for supporting a vertical baffle; and

Fig. 25 is a sectional plan view through 25-25 of Fig. 24.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 showing the general construction of the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the frame comprises essentially a pair of tubular uprights i, a base member 2, and a top member 3, all of which are formed of sheet steel, sheet aluminum, or other suitable metal into tubular shape. The base member 2 is welded or otherwise affixed to the lower ends of the uprights I, and. the top member 3 is similarly attached across the upper ends of the uprights l. Each upright l is of a substantially rectangular cross-section and has a flange t formed integrally therewith as shall be hereinafter described. These flanges 4 have a plurality of apertures 5 throughout their length by means of which light channels 5 (Fig. 1) or other members may be attached to the uprights I to act as mounting panels for the apparatus contained within the frame. A front cover is provided comprising a plurality of panels 1 rotatably mounted about hinges 23 which are arranged to engage apertures in the uprights i. As may be seen in the cut-away portion of Fig. 1 a plurality of dustand fire-bafiies 8 are suitably mounted between the uprights I. Constructed of treated wood, metal, metal-covered wood, or other suitable fire-resistance material, they serve to divide the frame into small compartments so that the'openin'g'of a single panel '1 willjn-ot expose all of the apparatus mounted withinthe frame to dust and so that a fire starting in a given compartment will be prevented from spreadingto other compartments. At the left of Fig. .Lmay

be seen a finish plate 9 which covers the end "of the final frame in a series.. A slottedltrim. strip 58 along the bottom of the front edge of theframe is adjustable to conceal floor irregularities.

As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and' lytherear of the v frame is enclosed by a plurality of rear covers l each comprising a sheet metal pan withmeinforcing elements H. Handles i2 may be provided. The rear covers H! are retained 'iwposi tion on the frame by means of pins I3 and latches M as will-be hereinafter described. Asmay best be seen in Fig. l, the rear covers It are supported by'sheet metal cable-run covers Ii'which are arranged so as to overlap one another at th'e joint with-the adjacent frame. The covers [5 are, in turn, bolted to or otherwise supported by a series of brackets it which are substantially C-shaped and are mounted upon the uprights I so that when two frames are mounted adjacent, a channel I1 is provided through which electrical cable may be run. By this construction it may be seen that an enclosed space is provided at the rear of the frame into which the terminalsof apparatusmounted within the frame may extend.

As may be seen in Figs. 4 and 8 this area is enclosed at-the top by a plate l8 supported by a series of brackets i9 mounted on an element of the top member 3.

Referring now to Fig. 8 in whichcertain. of

-. the above-mentioned members may be seen more clearly, the panels 5 of the front cover are supportedby hinge pins 26. engaging apertures 2| inthe uprights I and maybeplaced ingany mating pair of apertures to position thepanels in relation to the apparatus mounted within the frame. Since. the panels .1. are rabbeted so as to be interlocking, the apertures 21 are suitably shaped .so that the panelsmaybe freedof the interlocking engagement and thenbpened. or

removed, as is more completely. disclosed inthe above-identified copending applications .The

' top. member. 3 is shown .as comprising two .substantially T-shaped tubes welded or.otherwise affixed to the uprights i.

A U -shaped bracket 34 is welded across the tubes of top member13 and extends. downwardly .a. short distance into .uprights .l .to provide. additionaLrigidity. As .shown in Figs. 5 and 15, each .uprightJI hasa fiangell thereon formed by bending one side wall wise aflixing it to an extensionofthe rear wall. Additional plates 22 may be placed on either side offlange 4 to strengthen the structure. Apertures 5 in flange 4 areprovidecl for mountin the channel apparatus panels 6 by means'of' bolts 23. Adjacent uprights I inadjacent switchboard frames are interconnected by means 'of' a bolt 4| (Fig. 8).

Base member 2 '(Fig. 8) is adapted to contain to therearwardportion 36 by means ofbolts 38.

. outwardly at right angles and welding or other- The front baflles 8, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, slidably engage light channel members 28 which are retained in apertures 29 by clamps, screws, or other means. The front bafiies 8 are shaped so: asto extend laterally from upright! to upright l1 and from the apparatus supporting channel 6 to the panel I of the front cover and are mountable in any of the mating sets of apertures 2 .to position the baiiles in relation to the front 'eo-verpanels 1. To perform a function similar to..that,.fofqthe.fr ont baflies, a plurality of rear baffles 39 are placed so as to extend from the upright l rearwardly to the rear covers l0, and ffromcable brack'et [6 to cable bracket i6. Suitable' notches are'cut at the rear of each bafile into which the reinforcing elements II on the rear covers lt'may fit. Each end of a rear bailie'St'is supported asmay be seen in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 by brackets 3| formed of sheet metal so as to have a horizontal portiono32fiupongwhich the bafile 30 may rest and a portion 33 attachable to the flange l of upright l..

The endframe of a row of frames isprovided with a finish end plate 9 as may be seen in top viewin Fig, 4, in sideelevation inFig- 9. and in end elevationin Fig. 10. The above-mentioned .U-shaped bracket 34 servesas a stiffener for thetop members, 3 and also serves tosupport the finish plate 9... The finishiplates ecomprisetwo sections: a small pan-shaped-sheetmetal portion 35 towards the frontof the frame and ,j along pan-shaped sheet metal portionv sfitowards the rear of the frame, The.forward:-portion 35iis affixed to the. bracket j34by means of an overhanging clip 31, shown in Fig.'10 and 'isattached The rearward portion. 3 5 is furthergaffipxed touprights, l bymeansof. a bolt 39 (Figs. 4 and 10,)

passing. through apertures ,in the'upright l and to abracket ldsecured to the endplate portion 36. Alsoevident in Fig. 23 is a base bracket 51 to secure the finishendplate 36 to the frame,

. The. method ofv attaching the rear covers I!) to lapped covers 15' have afurther'flanged portion '54 bent so" as 'to be'pa'rallel to the major portion of said cover and thereby provide a tightmetal fitting between the flange-fl and'the'flangeof rear cover'lfl. As may be" seen in Fig. 8; the top v able with the metal top cover l8. A dustftight fitting between adjacentcovers is" obtained by means of a downwardly "extending" flange 4-6""at the bottom of each cover, as is best disclosed "Fig. 11.

Figs. 21 and 221 are jenlarjgedvie'ws of the v latches l4 whichhold the fiarbovers H) in'place auxiliary equipment such as fuse panels, frame filters, convenience outlets, power distribution arrangements, and indicating lamps. A base rear 1 cover 25 having a stiffener 26 therein is arranged with a'lip joint 2? so as to be readily removable her 2.

" for access to 'the apparatus in the base niem- '7 on theframe. As was earlier indicated the "edge flanges of thecovers Iii fit tightly "againstfthe flanges of the overlapped rear cover 15. Each latch l t comprises substantially T shapedni'etallic element'id" ec'centiically' mounted about bolts 55 to cover It). The base portion *of the T-shaped element 54 is bent with two angles therein so that it is adapted to engage the flange 44 of overlapped cover I5. It may be seen that since the eccentrically mounted element 54 is tightly held by bolt 55, each cover may be attached to the frame by inserting it in its proper position upon its pins l3 and then turning the bolts 55 until the flanges of elements 54 are engaged with their respective flanges 44.

Figs. 13 and 14 are enlarged front and sectional side views, respectively, of one of the uprights l, and Figs. 15, 16 and 1'7 are sectional views therethrough. In order to obviate the necessity of opening the frame to connect leads to apparatus mounted within the frame for purposes of testing, a jack panel may be mounted in one of the uprights l in each frame. These jacks may be service-observing jacks, other test jacks, inter-bay telephone jacks, or for any other electrical connection desired. To provide means for placing such a jack panel flush with the frame, a portion is cut out of the front of one or both of the uprights l, and a bracket is secured therein comprising two side members 4'1 one of which has notches cut therein so as not to interfere with the apertures 21. The ends of the members 47 are joined by U-shaped clips 48 having apertures 49 therein by means of which a jack panel may be affixed to the bracket. An aperture 58 is cut in the rear of upright I so that leads to the jack panel may pass therethrough. A rectangular aperture 24 (Figs. 14 and 17) is cut in the side of the uprights l near the base thereof so that leads may be entered therethrough and passed up the length of the uprights I.

As previously mentioned, the cable brackets iii are conformed so as to form a channel ll therebetween through which Wiring cables or power leads may be passed. In order to meet the requirements for a substantially dust-tight installation, a cable boot may be provided as shown in Figs. 18, 19 and 20. The boot 5! in the embodiment herein presented comprises a canvas sleeve of substantially rectangular cross-section at its base and of substantially circular cross-section throughout the major portion of its length. The rectangular base of the boot 5: is placed over the channel i1 and is attached to plates is at the top of adjacent frames by means of strips 52. The lower front and rear edges of the boot may have short overhanging portions 53 to provide a seal at the front and rear of the boot. After cabling has been passed through the boot, drawstrings are employed to fit the boot tightly around the cables.

As may be seen in Figs. 8 and 23, means is provided for expediting the handling of the frame during transportation and installation comprising a hoisting tube 55 affixed within the base member 2 by welding at the front and bolting at the rear, though other means of attachment may be employed.

Since the switchboard frames disclosed herein are adapted to be placed side by side to form banks of frames, a fire-resistant vertical baffle may be extended rearwardly to separate the rear portions of adjacent frames as is shown in the rear view of the frame of Fig. 24 and in the enlarged sectional plan view of Fig. 25. The vertical baffle 59 is attached to one of the uprights i at a series of points throughout its length by means of bolts 65 having their heads countersunk in the bafiie 59 and extending through a reinforcing spacer 5!, through an aperture in the upright I, and then fastened through the washer 52 bya nut 63. The spacers,

6| are tapped as shown for the purpose of screw ing two switchboard frames together as shown at 4|, Figs. 8 and 24, and also serve as a means for hoisting the frame when an eye-bolt is screwed therein. The frames may be further interconnected by the attaching of a gusset plate across the top member 3 of a series of switchboard frames.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the above invention and as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth, or shown in the accompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In a switchboard frame, two uprights each formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having a flange extending outwardly therefrom, said two uprights being assembled with their flanges in alignment and extending toward each other, a base member formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the lower ends of said uprights, and a top member formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the upper ends of said uprights, the flange of said uprights serving as sup orts to which apparatus mounting panels may be secured, a plurality of C-shaped brackets connected to each of said uprights and extending rearwardly therefrom, a front cover supported by said uprights, and a rear cover supported by said brackets, each of said bracket having its open portion facing outwardly from the frame with which it is associated whereby the brackets on adjacent frames form a channel through which cable may be passed.

2. In a switchboard frame, two uprights each formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having a flange extending outwardly therefrom, said two uprights being assembled with their flanges in alignment and extending toward each other, a base member formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the lower ends of said uprights, a top member formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the upper ends of said uprights, the flanges of said uprights serving as supports to which apparatus mounting panels may be secured, a plurality of brackets connected to each of said uprights and extending rearwardly therefrom, a front cover comprising a plurality of panels each pivotally mounted on said uprights, and a rear cover comprising a plurality of panels supported by said brackets, each of said brackets having its open portion facing outwardly from the frame with which it is associated whereby the brackets on adjacent frames form a channel through which cable may be passed.

3. In a switchboard frame, two uprights each formed from sheet metal into a tube of substantially rectangular cross-section and having the vertical edge of one side wall bent outwardly at right angles and secured to an extension of the rear wall to form a flange, said upright being assembled with their flanges in alignment and extending toward each other, a base member formed from sheet metal into a box shape having its ends secured to the lower ends of said uprights, a top member formed from sheet metal into two parallelly extending tubular portion having their ends secured to the upper ends of said uprights, the flanges of said uprights serving as supports gram-1 to which apparatu m lanting paais ma be secured, a pluralityof bracketsconnected-to each of said uprights and-extending rearwardly there- ;eac h -other,;;a base member formed from' sheet metal into-aytubular shape and having the ends thereof secured-tothe-lower ends of said; uprights,

a topmember formed-from sheet -metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to theupper endsoisaiduprights-the flangesof said uprights-'servingassupports to which apparatus mounting panels may-besecured, a firstpluralityof horizontal baffles extending between said uprights, means for attaching said flrst plurality ofbaflies; to said uprights, -a second ,-pl-urality-of horizontal bafiles supported -on said uprights and extending rearwardly therea from, and: means for attaching said secondplurality of 'bafiles tosaiduprights. W

5. In a switchboard irame,-two uprights each formed from sheetmetal into a tubular shape and having a flange extending-outwardly therefrom, said two uprights'being assembled with their flanges in alignment-and extending toward each other, a base inember formed; from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the lower ends of said uprights,

a top-memberformed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the upper ends of said uprights, the flanges of saiduprights serving as' supports to which apparatus mounting panels may be secured, aplurality of brackets associated with each of saiduprights and extending rearwardly therefrom, a frontcover supported by said uprights-a rear cover supported by; saidbrackets, a first plurality of horizontal bailles-extending between said uprights, means for attaching said first plurality of baffles to'said uprights, a second plurality of horizontal bafiles supported on 7 said uprights and extending rearwardly therefrom so as to extend from said uprights to said. rear covers, and means for attaching saidsecond'plurality of bafiles' to said uprights.

61 In a switchboard frame arranged for alignment side by side with other switchboard frames, two uprights" each formed from'sheetmetaiin'to a tubular shape andhaving a flangeextending outwardly therefrom, "said two uprights "being assembled with their flanges in "aligmn'ent' and extending toward each other, abase member formed from sheetmetal intoa tubular shape and having the ends thereofsecured to thelower ends of said uprights, atop member formed from sheet metal 'into'a' tubular shapeandhaving the ends thereof secured" to the upperends of" said uprights, the flangesof said uprights "serving as supports to which ap aratus mounting "panels may be secured, a plurality'of'brackets supported by said uprights and extending rearwardly therefrom, anda 'cable runmover supported on said "'b'racketsand arrangedto' bverlap' the" cable-run "coverof the adjaoent'frame'so as -to'c'o'nip'l'etely enclose thecablerun; M

5a i '7. In a switchboard :franie, twduprights eah formed from sheet'metal into "a tube of substantially rectangular cross-section andhavin'glthe vertical edge of 'one"side"wa1l'bent outwardly at right angles andw'elded to an'exten'sionofth'e rear wall to form 'a' flange, said uprights "being assembled "with their flanges in alignment and .panels may be secured, said urirights, top member and base member having cut-outportions'therein wherein auxiliary switching equipmentmay be placed, a plurality of'bracketssupported-by each of said uprights and'extending'rearwardly therefrom, a front cover comprisinga plurality of transparent panels eachrpivotally mounted on said uprights, a rear cover comprising a plurality of panels supported by said brackets-a flrstplurality of horizontal bafiles extending between said uprights, means for attaching saidfirsti-plurality of baiiles to said uprights, a secondplurality of horizontal baiiies supported by'said-uprights and extending rearwardly therefrom so as to extend from said uprights to said rear cover,-and means for attaching said'second plurality of baffles to said uprights. I

8. In aswitchboard frame, two uprights each formed from sheet metal into a tubularshape and having a flange extending outwardly therefrom, said two uprights being assembled-with their flanges in alignment and extending toward each other, a base member formedfrom-sheet metal into a tubular shape and having-the ends thereof secured to the lower ends of said uprights, atop member formed'from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the endsthereof secured to the upper ends ofsaid uprights, the

flanges of said uprights serving as supportsto which apparatus mounting panels may be secured, a plurality of brackets supported by each of said uprights and extending rearwardly therefrom, a cable-run'cover supported by the brackets on each of said uprighta'aninwardly-extending flange on each of said cable covers,: andiarear cover comprising a. plurality of panels supported by said cable-run covers and arranged toirest againstthe flange on each of said cableerun 'said two uprights being assembled with their flanges in alignment andextendingctoward each other, a base member formed fromlsheet metal into a tubular shape andhaving-the ends thereof secured to the lower ends of said uprights; a 'top "member formed from sheet :metal-into a tubular shapeand having the ends"thereof'securedito the upper ends of saiduprights, a front cover comprising a plurality of panels eachha'ving hinging means arranged to engage apertures 'in said uprights, and means ior affixinga jackpanel to the frame comprising a bracket securedwithin 'one of said uprights in alignment'with a. rectangular aperture in the upright, -said bracket having -notches cut therein in register with the first-mentioned apertures.

- 10. In a switchboard frame, two uprights ea'ch 9 formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having a flange extending outwardly therefrom, said two uprights being assembled with their flanges in alignment and extending toward each other, a, base member formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the lower ends of said uprights, a top member formed from sheet metal into a tubular shape and having the ends thereof secured to the upper ends of said uprights, the flanges of said uprights serving as supports to which apparatus mounting panels may be secured, a plurality of brackets supported by each of said uprights and extending rearwardly therefrom. a front cover supported on said uprights, a rear cover supported by said brackets, a stiffener secured within one of said uprights and extending upwardly therefrom, and a finish end plate comprising a first portion secured to said stiffener and a second portion supported by said vfirst portion and by the upright, said finish end plate extending so as to entirely enclose the end of the frame.

EUSTACE T. BALL. JAMES G. FERGUSON. JAMES E. GREENE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

